Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients are individuals experiencing structural or functional kidney abnormalities persisting for more than three months. The disease is categorized into five stages, with Stage 5 representing kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) that necessitates transplantation or dialysis. Primary risk factors for this population include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Globally, an estimated 788 million people live with CKD, with a prevalence of 10–14% in the general population. In the United States, approximately 35.5 million adults (about 15%) are affected, with a higher prevalence among non-Hispanic Black adults (20%) and adults over 65. CKD mortality has risen significantly since 1990, becoming the 9th leading cause of death globally by 2024.

Innovation in this space is highly relevant due to the substantial economic burden and unmet clinical needs. In the US, kidney patients account for approximately one-fourth of Medicare spending, totaling $156.7 billion. This high cost, driven largely by late-stage care, creates a significant demand for advancements in early detection, renal therapeutics, diagnostics, and chronic disease management.